It seems unreal to me that Labor Day Weekend begins in about a week. I know it's cliché to say this summer went quickly, but boy did it ever! When my 12 year old daughter commiserates with me about the speed at which the summer has flown by, it worries me. I remember when I was a kid, time seemed to creep by no matter what time of year it was. The school year, of course, went by very slowly, but the summer seemed endless to me too.

Since I enjoy warm weather so much more than I enjoy cold weather, the end of summer makes me a bit sad. It's hard to look at Labor Day weekend and not think of the impending winter. Technically, however, there are still several weeks of summer to enjoy, followed by the fall, a season I also like. I think I should just make the best of Labor Day Weekend and enjoy some of the fun events taking place this year. There's a lot to choose from, including the Hampton's Classic Horse Show, the Shinnecock Indian Powwow and the Long Island Mozart Festival. Take a look at other Labor Day Weekend Events.

If a doctor has prescribed medication for you or your children lately, you know what a dent that makes in your budget. Many prescription drugs cost a fortune, unless you have health insurance that covers them. Many Long Island residents are unaware that prescription drug discount cards are available to residents of both Suffolk County and Nassau County.

The Suffolk Scripts Card and the NassauRx Card, both from CVS Caremark, save cardholders an average of 20% off the retail price of their prescription medications. You can use the cards at most pharmacies on Long Island and at many pharmacies nationwide. You can even use a mail order service if you so choose. To find out how to obtain either a NassauRX Card or a Suffolk Scripts Card and to learn about participating pharmacies, call 1-877-321-2652. You can also visit the NassauRx page or the Suffolk Scripts page on the CVS Caremark Web Site.

Do you plan to go to the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadow? It begins on August 25, which is just one week from today, and ends on September 7. Are you planning to drive into Queens for the big event? Are you crazy? Don't do it. You'll be sitting in traffic until Halloween. Instead take the LIRR. If you live along the Port Washington line, this isn't a problem. The train stops at the Shea Stadium/Willets Point station, which is only a short walk from the USTA National Tennis Center. If you don't live along that line, find someone who does and park your car at his or her house. You can also take the train into Penn and then catch the Port Washington line from there.

John Roleke, the About.com Guide to Queens, NY has some excellent tips that will help you make the most of your U.S. Open experience. That's where I got the tip about taking the LIRR's Port Washington line, by the way. John also tells you which ticket is best for you, what to bring and what to leave home, how to dress and how to save money. Read Top 10 Tips for Your Day at the 2008 US Open.

The closer it gets to the first day of school, the more crowded stores like Staples, Target and Office Max get. With many schools sending out school supply lists during the summer, it's easier to get your kids' supplies early. I first saw back-to-school displays show up before the last school year had actually ended. That was way too early, but I guess when you have to make room for Halloween displays, which begin to show up in July, time is of the essence. I took my daughter to Target earlier this week and we managed to get many "green" school supplies, including folders, pencils and a pencil case. A few weeks ago I picked up some recycled looseleaf paper and recycled notebooks at Pathmark. My environmentally-minded daughter is very happy.

Related Reading: Long Island Back to School Guide